“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”- St. Augustine
Exciting news, friends! A few weeks ago I found out that I was accepted to go on the World Race. This 11-month mission trip to 11 countries is an incredible chance to serve the “least of these” while loving and interacting with people from many different cultures. I will be leaving in September of 2015 for this journey around the world, carrying only what I can fit into a backpack. I am choosing to accept the invitation Jesus has extended to me and embrace this opportunity to know Him more, grow and learn in community, and love His people around the world.
My squad will be traveling to Uganda-Rwanda-Ethiopia-India-Nepal-Thailand-Malaysia-Cambodia-Guatemala- Honduras-and Nicaragua. The squad is made up of 40 or so people that I will travel with and get to know over the whole 11 months. Our squad will be further split up into teams of around 6-7 people. My team will be a source of encouragement, support, and certainly laughter, but living in close quarters for an extended amount of time will also present challenges and opportunities for growth in raw community. As teams we will serve with different ministries in each of the countries that we travel to. We could be teaching English, doing construction work, loving kids in an orphanage, praying for the sick, or ministering to victims of sex trafficking. Ministry will look different every month, as we travel between different countries and respond to the needs of the ministry we are partnered with.
11 countries in 11 months. Backpacking in Africa, Asia, and Central America with other young adults that I’ve never met before. At this point, some of you may be thinking I’m crazy. What the heck would compel me to leave family and friends and the comforts of America for 11 whole months? Jesus Christ, that’s what. I have received new life, hope and joy through the everlasting love and relentless grace of Jesus Christ. I am a broken, sinful person forgiven and redeemed through His sacrifice. Sharing the love and joy Jesus has offered to me with people around the world is an honor and responsibility that I am glad to say yes to.
I want to look more like Jesus every single day. I want my heart to break for the people and things that He cares for. I am all in. Giving my life up to Jesus is just the beginning of trusting Him in all the adventures He has in store for me.
God calls us to love Him and share that love with others, and the World Race is a journey that He has continually placed on my heart and mind over the past few years. I want to be a light that shines for Jesus, bringing glory to Him wherever I go…
‘Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’ Matt. 5:14-16 (MSG)
I am excited to get a glimpse of the amazing work that God is already doing around the world, serve with ministries in each country, and experience the kingdom of God through different cultures.
This is an amazing, epic journey and I am beyond stoked to travel the world with Jesus and the other members of my squad. The World Race is not the greatest adventure though. The greatest adventure of my life is loving Jesus, seeking to know Him more, and trusting Him to use me for His glory. The World Race is just one adventure that Jesus happens to have for me in this next season.
Please join me on this journey and subscribe to my blog if you’d like to follow along on this current adventure God has called me to!
Check out the video below for an even better picture of what the World Race is and what it is all about.
